Always

Always is one of those words that are hard to fully believe when we read it in scripture. The Greek word for always is πάντοτε (pantote). According to Thayer’s Greek Definitions, πάντοτε means:

1) at all times, always, ever

So if scripture says that we should do something always, it means… ALWAYS. Not some of the time. Not only if this happens or if we are in that special place. So lets see what we are supposed to always be doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 (WEBBE): 16Always rejoice. 17Pray without ceasing. 18In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus towards you. 19Don’t quench the Spirit.

Our joy should be in knowing God, and walking with Him every step of the way. Worldly circumstances should never dictate whether we experience joy! Oh dear, there is another one of those hard to believe words – never. God is always with you, every moment and everywhere. That means that He NEVER leaves you. And that means that you are NEVER without His protection!

Philippians 4:4-7 (WEBBE): 4Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!” 5Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

If we walk in the knowledge that God is with us, and if we rejoice in Him and praise Him always, then we will experience God’s peace!

And if we are filled with the Spirit, and walk out what God has for us, we will be an encouragement to each other.

Ephesians 5:18-21 (WEBBE): 18Don’t be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, 19speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20giving thanks always concerning all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father; 21subjecting yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ.

Being a child of God is about experiencing relationship with Him ALWAYS. God wants that for us. But you have the choice to let Him into every aspect of your life, or to push Him away. So choose right now to walk with Him in every moment!